This and That from Here and There

Leg 2 - Miami to Quito

No, it was NOT a full flight. We were probably 50 passengers or less, so we had plenty of room to spread out!

The view as we left Miami

First view of Ecuador through the clouds

And then I just kept taking pictures! Here are just a "few."

Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador a little after 1:00 pm on Monday, September 12

The first leg of the journey

Taking off from Chicago, O'Hare Airport at 5:18 am

The sun's coming up.

Breakfast in the sky

The time has come!

Karmen took me to the airport for my 5:18 am flight out of O'Hare on Monday, September 12.

We look fairly awake considering this picture was taken around 3:30 am!

After clean-up at Mt. Sterling, I headed home to have some time with family before heading back to Ecuador. Kyle, Kalynn, Kaden and Ayla had made the trip up from Oklahoma to spend a few days with us. Dana came to Mom and Dad's for a couple of days. Karmen was there. Grandma Rodgers spent a fair bit of time with us. Krista and Karter came over. It was a busy week but so, so, so wonderful to have time with everyone before heading south.

Though the adults present outnumbered the littles, you will notice that reality is not reflected in the pictures below. Funny how that is!

Kaden, age 4

Fearless Ayla, age 1

Pretend naps

Having fun with Dana

Sick baby

Trip to the park

Sickness is a high price to pay to get snuggles!

Teaching Great Grammy how to whistle

On Auntie Karmen's team for a game of Rumikub

Checking out the worms with Papa

Helping Papa water the flowers

One last song before the Oklahomans leave

The good-bye crew

Celebrating Krista's 3rd??? birthday...

Reading books together

Who but grandchildren could convince Great Grammy to get inside the fort?

Slime Time!

My good-bye crew as Karmen and I headed to Chicago

Staff Farewell

I was completely thrown off guard when the Illiana staff arranged a little farewell "party" for me the Wednesday before Mt. Sterling.

Staff sisters

Former co-workers at Mt. Sterling

This many of my former co-workers were present at Mt. Sterling convention this year, and it seemed like the perfect moment to get a picture.

Left to Right:

Rose Taplin, Ardith Ellingson, Dana Jacobsen, Janet Nicol, Kamela, Kristina Wagler, Rebecca Carroll, Sharon Rostad

Back at it

Several have asked if I will be resuming my blog activities upon my return to Ecuador, and I have been replying, "I will try." So here is my initial attempt to be back at it!